10 Chapters. Passing the 50k words with this chapter down. I am quite proud of the progress that has been made so far. The support you guys have given me is above and beyond. 54 followers as I see right now, 35 favorites, 4600+ views, and 34 reviews. I can't wait to see how that progresses in the future. You guys deserve a pat on the back.

Regardless if you just stay along for a chapter, or have read up to this point, you guys FUCKING ROCK! That support helps me to continue writing.

Speaking of that, I think you guys should have noticed that I am starting to slow in my writing process. To cope with this, funny enough, I have decided that I am going to work on a new story that is unrelated to KFP and anything to do with this story, it going to be on a show of my past, 2003-06 I believe, and ideas from a game I use to play. Super heroes and all that. It shouldn't take much time out of writing this story, so worry not. I just need something to give me space to be able to think of future ideas for this story.

As always, keep up the support and I will do my best to appease you all.

Chapter 10: Busy Day

It was a glorious day; the sun was shining and there was a resemblance of warm that hung in the air. I was awoken be the sun shining on my face, something that had not happened for a while. The first sense that was used other then the sensation of feeling was the smell. If you paid attention, you could smell the coming spring. It was odd, too, since it was still around February. More specifically, it was the day of love.

Now, I am not much for the gestures that come with this day, nor do I like it too much, but I was to help one of my comrades with a nerve-racking set of tasks. That person I am talking about, none other than Master Crane. Thankfully I had all day, Master Shifu decided that he wanted to give us today and tomorrow to enjoy the festival. Tomorrow specifically because Monkey and Mantis usually try to pick up girls while drinking or end up in a depressed state over their failure to do so.

I got up out of my bed and did a massive stretch to rid my body of all the achy, tense muscles that riddled my body. I put on my shirt and shoes, which I take off when I sleep at night, and headed to the kitchen where I could smell jasmine tea. That usually indicates that Tigress was lurking about.

I entered the kitchen to be greeted with the person that I expected, Tigress sipping on her morning tea. "Good morning, Tigress. I assume that your sleep went well."

I looked up at me and nodded. "Yes, it was quite nice."

I grabbed some dumplings that were still good and sat at the table. I saw that there was a cup of tea at my usual spot. "Ummm, is someone already here?" I looked around to see no indication of anyone coming. I looked back to her while taking a bit out of the dumpling.

She smiled, "No, I presumed that you would be getting out of bed soon, so I took the liberty of pouring you some tea." She took a sip out of her own after she said this.

I gave a small 'huh' of surprise before giving her a massive grin. "Thank you, a ton. You are a great friend. So, what are you planning for today?"

She looked unsure of what she was going to say. "Well, I usually don't plan for days like this. So, I am probably going to train and meditate." I had just finished my food when I turned my attention back to her.

I gave her an unsure look, "That doesn't sound fun. Are you not going to participate in the festival?"

"I am not one for such events, especially with what it is celebrating." She looked away from me when she said the last part. I know she wasn't one for romantic moments, but she shouldn't seclude herself from friends.

"Well, if you wanted, we could hang-" I was cut off by one of the other warriors entering the kitchen. It was Crane.

"There you are, Kyle. I could… use some assistance." He looked over to the other side of the table from me to see the tiger. "Oh! Hello, Tigress." He looked back at me hoping that I would help him.

"Uhhh, sure. I guess I could help you now." I got up from me seat to follow Crane out. Before I left the room, though, I turned back to Tigress. "I guess I will see you later."

She only nodded as I ran after Crane to see what was so pressing that he needed me at this moment. I spun him around so that he was facing me. "Alright, Crane, what did you need me for?"

He was rubbing his wing in a nervous stance. I guess whatever it was, it had to deal with Viper. "Well, ummmm, you see… I-uhhhh… I need your help a-asking Viper on a date to the festival." He finally spilled the beans after all his stuttering. Of course, I was right on the money.

I gave a small laugh at his current state. "Alright, there is not much that I can do for you in that regard. What exactly do you want me to do? Be more specific."

"Well, I'm n-not sure that I can do it. I have tried over that past few days and… every time I approach her, I chicken out." I find him saying 'chickened' very funny, since I do believe they exist as a sentient species in this world. I mean, how does it hold the same meaning? Anyways, back to the conversation before I focus too much on that.

"You didn't really help yourself with waiting this long-" He seemed to lower his head in shame "-However, I will be moral support through this. All you have to do is say the words. It will be easy."

He seemed to let out a few deep breaths with a small bit of panic. I gave him a reassuring pat on the back as I was also pushing him forward. "Let's find where Viper is currently."

He resisted somewhat as I continued to push him forward. I had a massive smile on my face, almost as if I were insane. Am I really tormenting him? He knows he wants to do this, he just needs… a little push.

Anyways, we checked the training hall, which Tigress was currently in. No sign of Viper. We then went to the peach tree, then the Hall of Warriors, the kitchen, and then finally to the barracks where we finally saw her leaving her room. I pushed Crane forward and began to do a sweep of the area to make sure two specific people weren't here. Do I really need to label who they are? I didn't think so.

I came into view of the two, and Crane was stalling. "-the weather has just been fantastic. And… um… the trees should be blooming soon-" I did a mental facepalm at what he was currently talking about. He looked over to me to see that I was giving him the 'really' look.

"So, umm, Viper… I was meaning… I mean…I wanted to ask if…" He toned himself out and went silent as Viper looked at him confused.

"What is it, Crane, you can tell me anything." She put her tail on his shoulder in a supporting manner.

Crane looked back at me and I mouthed at him 'now or never'. He closed his eyes and gave himself a few, deep breaths. "Viper, I-I was w-wondering if you… wanted to go on a date with me to the festival." He said the last part so quickly that I could barely understand what he said. I could only presume the same for Viper.

He closed his eyes waiting for the 'rejection' that he thought he would get. From here, I could see that Vipers entire face turned red. "Umm, s-sure."

Right as those words left her maw, his eyes shot wide open and his beak (jaw) dropped. I knew that he thought it wasn't going to happen, but I didn't think he would have been shell-shocked by it.

"A-Alright, I will s-see you around f-five?" He was a stuttering mess.

"Y-yeah." Alright, I guess they were both stuttering messes. Jeez, I thought Viper would be more collected than this. There was silence and an awkward feeling in the air, so I decided to move.

"He will see you then," I spoke making Viper nearly jump as I also grabbed Crane by the wing and lead him away. Looks like I will have to help him with his conversation skills someday.

Crane had regained his bearings when we left, and he was now leading me through the valley. They seemed to be setting up for the festival that was tonight. It really is a beautiful sight when the Valley of Peace goes through this transition. It makes one forget the troubles of the day and enjoy something, even if it is small. "Tell me again, why are we down in the valley?"

"There is so much to do. This night has to be perfect." He was starting to worry me.

"Woah there. I know this is your first date and all, but you must relax. What do you need to do exactly? Don't say 'make this night perfect'." I stopped and crossed my arms waiting for an answer. His steps slowed as he turned around to face me.

"Well, I-uhhh… I need to make reservations…" A deadpanned look overcame my face.

"Crane, it is a festival. There are no reservations." Did I really have to state the obvious? "Not only that, but the tables aren't even reserve only."

He seemed to tap his wings together. "Alright. I guess you are right. I do need to relax."

I laughed. "That is an understatement. You are making up tasks that don't exist. Now, if you need me, just come and find me and I will help you."

"Alright…"

"Good. Now if you don't mind, I have my own tasks that I must take care of." I began to walk away and back up to the thousand steps. You might be wondering what I had to take care of. Well, after hearing that Tigress wasn't going to be doing new today, I decided I wanted to spend the day with her. NOT AS A DATE… she would be absolutely mortified if I asked her like that. That, and I didn't really have any romantic feelings for her… Why am I explaining things to you? It is none of your business.

Before I could even put my first foot on the step, I heard the voice of a familiar, bugs voices.

"Kyle, wait up! We need you." I turned my head to see Monkey charging my way with Mantis hanging onto his shoulder.

"What do you guys want?" I was a little irritated that I was going to have to sacrifice some of my time to deal with this.

"Monkey and I were looking to pick up some lonely women this evening, and we need you to help us with a choice on style." Of course, that is what he was going to do and that he needed me for something so small.

"Look, guys, I would love to but…"

I didn't even get to finish before Mantis jumped the gun. "Great! Come with us."

Monkey started to move away from the palace steps hoping that I would follow. I looked up to the palace on the mountain before I groaned and followed behind them. Looks like I will have to wait a little longer for what I wanted to do.

They lead me through the crowds as we seemed to walk on forever. More likely, it was probably about five minutes. When you are being dragged along for something that you don't want to participate in, it can feel like a lifetime.

We finally made it to a small clothing accessories store, when I looked around to see various items hanging on the walls. "What exactly are you guys looking for?"

Mantis turned around while still hanging onto Monkey's shoulder. "That is why we need you, we want to… appear fresh and unexpecting for a couple of luck ladies." He was rubbing his claw-things together while he said this.

I mumbled to myself. "More like luck to get away from you."

Mantis turned around giving me a questioning face and I just shrugged as if to say, 'I didn't say anything.'

Hearing that they didn't even know what they are looking for and how many different items hung on the wall, this could talk a while…

It has been five hours. Yeah, you read that correctly. FIVE HOURS! I found a place to sit at while I was bored out of my mind. If I had known that it would take this long, I would have never agreed to come along on this adventure.

The funny thing is that I am no longer waiting for Monkey, who is sitting right next to me in despair. We are waiting for Mantis. "Sorry, buddy. If I knew it would take this long, I wouldn't have wanted you to come."

At least Monkey is apologizing. I guess I should try and make him feel less guilty. "It is fine, it is not like I was planning on doing anything today…"

"Still, it is not cool for us to waste your time."

"You aren't wasting my time, that would be Mantis. Why does he need anything new to wear, anyways? He is like 10 centimeters tall." I was looking over to where the bug was now, he was trying out various hats (his size, of course) that looked absolutely ridiculous on him.

"I don't know. He really wants and needs to get laid." We both laughed at that. It is not entirely nice to laugh at a friend like this, but Mantis was getting on our nerves currently. We both quieted down when Monkey continued, "What do you mean that you are not planning anything? Are you not going to partake in the festival?"

"No, it doesn't really seem like my atmosphere. I kinda want to relax today."

"Alright, I will invite you to join us in picking up women. That is, if you are interested?"

"I think I will be good."

It seems that he found something that would suit him. He decided to go with a sash that an 18th century general would wear. I wasn't really a fan of it, I find this entire endeavor to be a complete waste of time. "How do I look guys."

"You look great." I said this through my teeth. I just wanted to freaking leave.

"Yeah, Mantis, you will get all the ladies with that." Monkey gave him two thumbs up as he said this. Thank GOD Monkey wants to get out of here, too.

"Great! I could try on a few more things though…" He was about to turn around.

I swiftly got to my feet. "Nonononononono, I think that this would be plenty. You don't want be too fancy, would you?"

"Hmmmm, I guess not. Alright, I will pay for this and we shall go." He turned around as I was mentally celebrating. There was just enough time to ask Tigress if she wanted to do something. It should be enough so that she has a day that differs from the rest.

I looked over to Monkey, "Well, I am probably going to head out after this. It… was fun." Sarcasm dripped thickly from my lips as I spoke the last part.

"Alright man. If you wanted to do more for today, my offer will still stand for you to hang out with us. Mantis would probably use you as his 'exotic' friend."

I smiled at Monkey, "Now, I wouldn't want it to be too easy for him to pick up women, now would I?" We both laughed as Mantis was heading over to us and jumping up on Monkey's shoulder.

"Now with that done, how about we get ready for this thing? Monkey? Kyle?"

"Actually, I'm going to split. See you guys later." Mantis just shrugged his shoulders while Monkey waved goodbye to me.

I walked away and was approaching the steps. 'Finally, I get to do with the rest of the day what I want. Wait, is that Viper? Please don't need me, please don't.'

I was trying to hide my face a little from the serpent, but it is kind of hard when I am basically a 'hairless ape'. "Kyle, wait a second."

I turned around and gave my best façade at being happy when I wanted nothing more that to just relax and do something with my best friend. Wait… Did I just say best friend?

My thoughts were cut short when Viper approached me. "What can I do for you Viper?"

"I am not sure that you know, but I have a… date… with Crane."

I acted in surprise. "Really! That is wonderful."

"Yeah, it is…" She seemed unsure of herself as she drifted into silence.

"Is everything alright?" I got closer to her to analyze her facial movements. She looked really nervous and anxious.

"Yeah, it is that I just have wanted this for a while. Now I want to make this a special evening, but I don't know what I want to do."

This seemed so unlike her. Just like Tigress, Viper seemed to know what she wanted. She was just not as brash about it. So, seeing her like this made me want to help her in her circumstance.

"Alright, how about I help you. I could help you find some perfumes or anything else that you think would just wow Crane. How does that sound?"

She seemed to lighten up at my offer. "Sure, anything would help." I motioned for her to lead the way to the shop of her choosing.

'Sorry Tigress, looks like I will try and hang with you a little bit later.' I am really beating myself up over something that she doesn't even know. She deserves a day though, so I am still determined to make that happen.

Viper entered one of the many shops that were on the main street of the Valley of Peace. I went inside to see that it was full of items for ladies. 'Oh boy, this might be a little painful for me to endure.'

Right I was, it took some time for Viper to finally narrow he scope on what she wanted to get for her date. I could already see the guests of the festival partaking in the early parts of it. Luckily their date was to begin in an hour or so. It was plenty of time for Viper to get the items she wanted and to get ready back up at the Palace.

I looked over Vipers head to see that she was trying to decide over two perfumes. As much as I wanted to rush her on this, I did not want an earful. And I get it, she wanted this to be a special evening. It was almost as if it were a prom night for a high school girl.

"I can't decide over these two. Which do you think would be a better fit?" She held up one of the containers. She said its name, but it was some Chinese pronunciation. I am not going to even try and repeat it. She did the same with the other one.

"What do you think Crane would like more?" I didn't want to put my input in. I was afraid that she would be conflicted with my choice and we would be here longer.

She thought about it for a while and decided the one that held the red fluid in it. I know nothing about perfume, so I don't even know if it is appealing or not. I was just thankful that we were finally able to leave.

"So, Kyle, you have anything planned for this evening?" She asked me this as she was making her purchase.

"Not really. I heard that Tigress was not doing anything special for today, so I was planning on seeing if she wanted to play a board game or meditate. She deserves to have someone their today-" I was cut short by Viper already jumping the gun.

"So, you are going on a date with Tigress?" My eyes widened at this and I tried to instantly dismiss it.

"NO! Nothing like that. We are just friends and I don't see ourselves as anything beyond that. She only planned to train, and I wanted keep her from doing something she does every day."

It seemed that Vipers thoughts weren't going to be retracted. "Call it what you want, it sounds like you want to have a date, even if it is something so small. And I find it cute that you want to do that for her."

I pinched the bridge of my nose in irritation. "I don't see it like that, but you are entitled to your own opinion."

We left the shop as Viper turned around and gave me a small peck on the cheek. "Thanks for helping me. I really appreciate this, and I won't forget it." She moved to the steps as I was lingering behind her.

You know what, I am starting to feel great about my actions today. It is not everyday that I can help four of my friends with something." I took my first step on the stairs up to the Palace when I head frantic flapping behind me.

"Kyle, wait up." I retract my last thought, I fucking hate myself right now. Here I go again.

I turned around to see an exacerbated Crane. He was a nervous wreck. "Hey Crane, I was about to head back up to the Palace. Do you wish to accompany up to there?"

"S-sorry, but I think it is best that I stay d-down here. I think I will just b-bail if I go back up to the palace. Speaking of that, I am st-starting to have second thoughts about this…"

I walked up to him in a quickened pace, "Woah, woah, woah. You have very far in this and when you are in the final stretch, you want to quit? Not on my watch."

"But I feel like I am going to fail miserably…" He was looking down with a depressed look on his face.

"Crane, I was just speaking with Viper. She, too, is nervous and seems really excited for this opportunity. Remember, you are not alone in this. You may not be able to control her feelings or how well this night will go, but just relax and enjoy yourself. By you doing this, she will relax as well, and I know you guys will have an unforgettable night."

He seemed to regain some confidence in my words. "Thanks, Kyle, you have been a major help today. I owe you."

"No need, just have a fun night."

I looked up and saw that the sky was already fully dark. That would mean that Tigress is probably close to turning in for the night. My eyes widened in surprise. 'Fuck, fuck, fuck. I really need to hurry if I want to do anything with her tonight.'

"I will see you later Crane." I sprinted up the stairs before Crane even got a word in. I guess I will just have to see how things go for him tomorrow.

I passed Viper, who was heading down the steps to join Crane for the night. Damn, she was quick with whatever preparations she had to do for her date. She seemed surprised at my rushing, but she seemed to understand my rush.

I made it to the top of the stairs with heavy breathing. I took a second with myself before I continued to check the various parts of the Palace. I wanted to make sure she wasn't in the Hall of Warriors, Training Hall, the Peach Tree, or even the gardens near the palace.

I went to the barracks last prepared for the worst. I walked down the hall to see that her bedroom door was already closed and the light was out.

I closed my eyes at this. "Looks like I was too late…"

I walked silent as I could out of the barracks before heading back to the Sacred Peach Tree of Heavenly Wisdom, again. I sat at it's base before looking down to the valley. Even from here, you could hear the festival that was going on.

There was laughter, music, and you could even hear the loudness of some people drinking. Whether it was in sorrow or joy was up for interpretation, I can't hear that well. I closed my eyes in a peaceful state.

"You know, you shouldn't spend your time alone." I whipped my head around to see that Tigress was standing there.

"Tigress? I thought you had went to be when I returned." I looked on at her in shock.

"No, I was just speaking with Master Oogway. He told me that you would be here and that two souls shouldn't be alone on this night." She had a little pink blush under her fur, but I didn't notice through the dark.

"That does sound like him. Come here, join me." Tigress took a seat next to me as we both stared down at the peacefulness of the valley. Well… as peaceful as a festival could be. I guess it could be described more as joyful.

I looked up at the sky to see that it was a clear night, the starts shown through even though it was also a full moon. "The night sky is so beautiful."

She looked up as well to see the starts that were painted across the heavens. "Yeah. This is my favorite part of the day."

I looked over at her with interest, "You never told me that."

"I have never told that to anyone, you are the first. Most nights, I will head to the roof of the Hall of Warriors to just look at the sky. The moon has a beauty that is… not matched." She looked up at the moon now, it was shinning off the features of her face. It almost made her look as if she were glowing.

"I wouldn't say that…" She looked over to me seeing that I was piercing her with my eyes. I could see how the light from the moon complimented her eyes as well. It was truly something. She looked away with a blush. What can I say, I like to embarrass her with flirtation. I continued, "I can see why it is your favorite, though."

"And why is that?"

"It looks pure, and unbounded to anything. Even in total darkness, it seems to light up the sky." I got up off the ground to grab a peach from the tree. I looked over to her and offer one to her, she accepted my offer.

She took a bit out of the fruit. "You are quite the poet." She spoke this with a bit of sarcasm.

I chucked at her words. "I know. Who would have thought a Kung Fu warrior would have the literary knowledge for that kind of creativity?"

There was silence between us as we enjoyed the sweet substance that was contained in the peach. Some of the juices even dripped down my chin. This was the best peach if I have ever had one.

Something began to prod my mind as we sat together longer. "Tigress, I want to apologize for not being able to do things with you for the entire day. I was kept up when helping the others when I also wanted you to have a special day as well."

"You… did?" She looked genuinely shocked.

"Of course. You have given me so much, most importantly your friendship. You have helped immensely in my adjustment to life here. I would even say that you have become my closest friend. My best friend." I showed her a smile of sincerity.

She sat there in shock before she decided to pass that shock onto me. One moment there was no movement, the next she was holding me in a hug. I had never seen her show any type of physical response to emotions like this, especially to be on the receiving end. I sat there like a stone, not daring to move while I tried to regain my senses.

He paws rested on the areas where my scars were. Even when it brought back some painful memories, they didn't release any physical pain. It was soothing in a way.

After a second or so, I returned the hug before we both parted from each other. The display of emotions left a mark on each of us. We both had a trace of a smile on our face. "And like Oogway said, 'two souls shouldn't be alone on this night'."

We sat in silent, enjoying each other's company.

The night continued, and a few hours had passed while Tigress and I enjoyed the evening. A few peaches later, and we decided to continue the conversation back to the barracks.

"So, you were in the valley all day helping the other four with their own preparations for the night?"

"Yeah, I am glad that I was able to be of some assistance to them. I just wished it didn't take as much time as it did." I looked down in a slightly sad expression.

Tigress put her paw on my shoulder. "It is alright, what you did for them was very noble. You are a great friend, especially for what you did for Viper and Crane."

"Thanks Tigress."

"So… Viper and Crane are finally dating." She raised her eyebrow at this.

I looked at her in surprise. "I take it that I wasn't the only one to see the spark between them."

Tigress smiled at me, "Nope, I am surprised something had happened this quickly based off how Crane is a nervous wreck whenever he thought of asking her."

"How long has this be been happening between them?"

Tigress seemed to think for a second on that one. "I believe for five years now-"

"FIVE YEARS! Jeez, talk about being suppressed." I was scratching my head to this thought.

"I guess all it took was a friend pushing him to do something about it." She stated this matter-of-factly.

I just shrugged, "I wouldn't give myself any credit for that. He did all the work, all he needed was the confidence boost."

"I would give yourself more credit."

"I will think about it." We both finally made it to the barracks, more specifically, outside our respective rooms. We just looked at each other.

Tigress spoke, "Well, this was a nice night. Thank you for enjoying it with me."

"No problem, it was the least I can do." I just gave her one of my usual smiles.

"Well… Since we have tomorrow off as well, you want to join me in a spar and some other activities afterwards?" She looked at me hopefully.

"Of course, I wouldn't want my day any other way. Well, we should probably go to bed now. I am guessing you want to rise somewhat early?"

She nodded, "Yeah, that would probably be a good idea. Good night."

"Night." I was about to turn around and head to bed before the tiger caught my attention once again.

"Wait!"

I turned around looking at her expectantly, "Yes?"

"I view you as my best friend, too." She looked nervous when she said this.

"I am glad that you told me. Thank you for telling me. Good night, Tigress."

"Good night, Kyle." I closed my door. My chest felt light with joy. Today was… perfect.

I will work on keeping my updates around the same period as always. School is done in about a month, which should open up my schedule a little. This is my 4th week that contains a test, and I am fucking sick of it.

R&R.

OH! BTW, I am probably going to do something special for next chapter based off a concern of a reader, so I will abide by their request. I am interested to see how it will work out.

Until Next Time.

-Forsvaret-Komandir